Ramadan Fasting And Cardiac Diseases
The salutatory effects of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular system of an individual are quite obvious. There are many contributory factors influenced by fasting, which have a pleasant effect on the heart. As a matter of fact, Ramadan fasting has a beneficial effect on most if not all of the primary as well as secondary predisposing factors of ischemic heart disease. There are three primary factors, which predispose to the coronary heart disease. They are hypertension (high blood pressure), hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol) and smoking. Ramadan fasting has a favorable effect on all of these three. As far as hypertension is concerned, it is quiet obvious that because of the complete abstinence from food (and of course salt) for about 14-15 hours in the month of Ramadan, the blood sodium level decreases and hence the blood pressure tends to be lower than before. As all anti-hypertensive drugs have their own side effects hence by rule every effort should be made to control the blood pressure by non-pharmacological means only and Ramadan fasting has it's place here. The important factors to affect hypertension in this regard are weight control, exercise, alcohol and cigarette consumption, reduction of meat and animal products in diet and decreased stress. A little bit of reasoning will suggest that Ramadan fasting has beneficial effects on all of them. As people are fasting most of the time, hence they tend to lose weight in Ramadan. Alcohol intake is already forbidden for Muslims and Ramadan again proves that abstinence from these intoxicants improves the quality of life. There is also an obvious reduction in smoking and excessive dietary intake. Besides, in Ramadan people are more inclined to offer their prayers regularly in the mosques, which means an increased physical activity. Lastly, Muslims tend to be happier and stress free in Ramadan than in other months. As in this month the reward for worship and other good deeds (including fasting) is increased several times hence there is a spiritual consolation, which surrounds the believers. This devoutness and piety gives them an internal satisfaction, which decreases the worldly tension and anxiety at least, to some extent. It is noteworthy that Ramadan type of fasting is especially suitable to control mild hypertension for which drugs should normally be avoided. A report by world health organization (WHO) says” Efforts to lower blood pressure by life style modifications should normally precede any decision about the necessity for drug treatment of mild hypertension" International society for hypertension (IHS) also supports that patients of hypertension especially mild one should be advised to reduce alcohol, salt and fat intake. They should quit smoking and take regular light exercise. As mentioned earlier, Ramadan ensures all these measures. The secondary primary predisposing factor for coronary heart disease is hypercholesterolemia (or high cholesterol). The association between high cholesterol and coronary heart disease is well proven. In July 1994, Medicine digest published results of a study on cholesterol decrease which showed that a 10 % decrease in cholesterol reduces risk of coronary heart disease by 50 % at the age of 40, by 40 % at the age of 50 and by 20 % at the age of 70 years. It is quiet obvious that Ramadan fasting results in lower cholesterol level provided intake of fats remains the same as before Ramadan. In a study published in the 'Annals of Saudi medicine', March 1994, cholesterol level of a group of diabetic patients was noted before the start of Ramadan, which came out to be about 5.87 + 1.18 mol/liter. Another sample taken after Ramadan from same individuals showed it to be 5.19 + 1.11 mol/liter, which is significantly lower than the previous. Similarly triglyceride level in the same group was 2.72 + 0.99 mol/liter before Ramadan whereas after one month of fasting it also lowered to 2.01 + 0.61 mol/liter. Surely Ramadan fasting helps lower the cholesterol level as well as the low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which have adverse effects on heart. At the same time, Ramadan type of fasting helps to increase the high density lipoproteins (HDL) which are proven to be cardio protective i.e. their high concentration is beneficial for the heart. Here it will be interesting to read an excerpt published in ' The Independent ' of July 27,1993. "A study of a tribe of Muslim Bedouin found their high density lipoprotein level to be high during Ramadan when they ate only one meal in the evening after fasting during the day but after Ramadan when they ate three or four meals a day, their HDL level dropped by 30 percent. It is therefore suggested that fasting during the day and eating a large meal in the evening should be good for a healthy heart". Note that this is what is followed in Ramadan. The importance of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) can be highlighted by the fact that its decreased level (less than 35 mg/100 ml) becomes a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Let's come to another aspect of Ramadan fasting. It is a common observation that Muslims all over the world utilize more fruit in the month of Ramadan as compared to the other months. Fruits with fresh juices are a usual component of an iftaar meal which means that total intake of vitamin C is increased significantly during the month of Ramadan as most of the fruits are a rich source of vitamin C. Having said that it is interesting to note that recent studies have shown Vitamin C to be a cardio-protective vitamin. A high intake of Vitamin C 300-400 mg/day lowers the overall mortality by 42 percent and heart disease specific mortality by 45 percent as compared to the people taking less than 50 mg/day. (Reference: The Times-May 1992). Muslims on average consume large amounts of Vitamin C in the month of Ramadan at least. To conclude let's read a portion of verse 184, chapter 2 (Al-Baqara)" And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew". |
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